Vodafone is the latest mobile operator to expand its machine to machine (M2M) data sharing offering.

At this month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Vodafone will unveil MachineLink 3G, a M2M terminal combining hardware and managed M2M connectivity.

Vodafone said MachineLink 3G has been launched to meet the global demand for a reliable and cost-effective M2M terminal, that can be easily integrated with any sort of IP/Ethernet type applications across a broad cross-section of industries.

Telefonica, the owner of the O2 mobile brand, recently announced its expansion into the M2M market with a series of solutions in new geographical markets, including Europe and South America.

Vodafone will use Mobile World Congress to demonstrate how its M2M hardware and software can be used in supporting energy efficiency, vehicle tracking, improving healthcare and other sectors.